Windows 8.1 Update 1 includes a shutdown option on the Start screen

The release of Windows 8.1 Update 1 is really not very far away now, but still there are new snippets of information slipping out ahead of launch. The reliable Russian leaker WZor has posted a series of new screenshots from the update which show, amongst other things, that a shutdown option is to be added to the Start screen. Millions of users around the world breathe a collective sigh of relief.

This is something that will be welcomed by anyone who has used Windows for a number of years and is used to the idea of visiting the Start menu to power down. Yes, it seemed counterintuitive when it was first introduced (click Start to stop working?) but it’s something we got used to. The release of Windows 8.1 did add a new shutdown option to the re-introduced Start button, but this requires an unfamiliar right click.

So this addition is sure to go down will with Windows veterans, but WZor’s screenshots also reveal some more intriguing changes in Update 1. To the upper right of the Start screen, next to the power icon, you’ll also find a search button, and improvements have also been made to Live Tiles.

Resizing and uninstalling Live Tiles is now accessible through a context menu rather than an option bar at the bottom of the screen — much more sensible, I’m sure you’ll agree.

Just yesterday we reported that the release date of Update 1 could be 11 March and it will be interesting to see if there are any more revelations over the coming weeks. But one thing is for sure: Microsoft seems to be listening to the complaints users have made about Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.